Chief Minister Dr.Pramod Sawant today made a fervent plea to the media fraternity to contribute towards promoting principles of Antodaya, Sarvodaya and Gramodaya implemented by the State Government.
Speaking at a programme organized on the occasion of National Press Day by the Department of Information and Publicity in association with media fraternity associations such as GUJ, Editors Guild, PJAG,SJAG,EMJAG and SGJA in the city Dr. Sawant said that the Government is very much serious to resolve the problems of Journalists fraternity in the State. During his tenure as a Chief Minister of the State various initiatives such as enhancement of Pensions and other Welfare schemes meant for the betterment of Journalists are being successfully implemented. Scheme for purchasing E-bikes for journalist is on the final stage and will be implemented shortly, he informed.
Chief Minister further stated that, critics made by the media on lapses in delivering good governance help the Government to improve further and provide better administration to the people, thus media plays a significant role in strengthening the democracy. Likewise Media should also highlight malafide intentions of certain NGOs who are making baseless allegations against Government for their personal gains.
Journalism is always regarded as a voice for a voiceless society. It has tremendous power to form opinion for the betterment of the Society. In advent of Social media and upsurge of viral news and fake news Print and TV media have to play an important role in curbing fake news trends among society.
The Chief Minister also referred to demand raised by the GUJ President Shri. Rajtilak Naik to introduce a full-fledged Journalism course in the State and said that three Colleges in Goa have already started this course in their institutions.
On the occasion Lifetime Achievement award was presented to veteran Journalist Shri. Pramod Khandeparkar for his extraordinary contribution to journalism. 81 years old Shri. Khandeparkar while replying to the felicitation recalled reminiscences of six decades ago scenario of journalism in the State and his struggles and achievements in the journey of his career. He thanked the Government for conferring the prestigious award for his achievements in the field of Journalism.
Similarly, Editor of Navhind Times Shri. Vijay Desouza, Sr. Journalist, Goan Everyday Shri. Ashley Do Rosario, Sr. Journalist, Gomantak Shri. Shekhar alias Vilas Mahadik, Sr. Journalist Gomantak Shri. Narendra Tari, Sr. Journalist Lokmat Shri. Vithu Sukhadkar were felicitated for their noteworthy contribution to the profession.
Shri. Ashley Do Rosario in his thanks giving remarks stressed upon the importance of freedom of press in the process of healthy society.
The Best Editor Award on National Integration and Communal Harmony was presented to Editor, Goan Varta Shri Pandurang Gaonkar, award in Rural Reporting bagged by Shri Murari Shetye of Times of India.
The award for Reporting with special reference to Women and Child/ Social issue was presented to Shri Vivek Prabhu from Prudent Media. Shri Marcus Mergulhao from Times of India bagged the award in Sport Reporting. The award on Reporting on Art and Culture bagged by Shri. Ajay Lad from Goan Varta.
The award in Photo Journalism (Best Photograph of the year) was presented to Shri Hemant Parab, Navhind Times, The award on Reporting on Education was bagged by Shri Swapnil Tari from Prudent. The award on Reporting on achievement of the Government was bagged by Ms Gauree Malkarnekar from Times of India.
Chief Minister Dr. Sawant presented prizes to Winners of the The Photo Competition was held in two different categories – category -1 – Goan Traditional Cuisine and category two Goa’s Rural Life.
President of Goa Union of Journalist Shri. Rajtilak Naik introduced all the awardees of the function.
Earlier, panel discussion was held on the topic `Challenges and opportunities in Journalism in the ever increasing digital, mobile and social media environment`. Sports Editor, Times of India Shri. Marcus Mergulhao, Sr. Reporter, Prudent Media Shri. Mahesh Ghadi, Editor Digital Goa Shri. Niraj Naik, Associate Professor, DMC College Shri. Shripad Merchant, Principal Correspondent Lokmat Shri. Vasudev Pagi participated in the discussion.
Director, Information and Publicity Shri. Dipak Bandekar in his welcome remarks highlighted the significance of National press day and explained various schemes implemented by the Department for the welfare of Journalist fraternity.
